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SAWS Board Approves Garney Construction to Lead Vista Ridge Project

(5/18/16)

At a board meeting of the San Antonio Water System, Trustees granted approval of a change in control of the 142-mile water project. Following staff analysis, a recommendation was made to approve Garney Construction, a Kansas City, Missouri-based company, as majority partner. As part of the new Vista Ridge structure, Garney will own 80 percent of the Vista Ridge project, and Abengoa will retain a silent 20 percent share.

Garney Construction is a familiar face to the water utility, as they have more than 30 years of experience with SAWS, performing more than $156 million in major projects including SAWS Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR), the Local Carrizo Aquifer project, and SAWS water recycling pipeline. They are currently building the 28-mile integration pipeline, which will transfer water from the desalination and ASR plants throughout the South and West sides of San Antonio.

Robert R. Puente, SAWS president/CEO, noted that the new leadership is a positive step in the progression of the Vista Ridge project. “Garney Construction has a strong history with SAWS and has been involved in this project since the beginning. In stepping up to the lead position, Garney brings invaluable continuity and skill to the table.”

On Tuesday, SAWS staff received the good news that contractual rates locked in on the Vista Ridge project will save SAWS ratepayers upward of one half billion dollars on the project.

“Because of our negotiations, San Antonio and our regional neighbors are in a stronger position today than we were even one year ago. Savings of $529 million, and bringing on a solid company like Garney, will help San Antonio secure our water future for decades to come,” remarked Berto Guerra, Chairman of the SAWS Board of Trustees.

Vista Ridge is the new public-private water project that will provide 20 percent more water for San Antonio – set to be completed in 2020.